Fatal car crash sparks Hunter Valley bushfire
Emergency services — including an air crane — have been brought in to oversee an out-of-control bushfire which unfolded following a fatal car crash.
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A MAN has died in a single-vehicle crash which sparked an out-of-control bushfire near Pelaw Main.
Emergency services were called to Leggetts Drive about midday following reports a vehicle had left the road and collided with a pole.
The male driver was located dead in the wreckage at the scene.
The man’s car caught alight and sparked several spot fires around the area.
About 2pm the Rural Fire Service upgraded the fire to ‘watch and act’ status, with crews patrolling rural properties between Pelaw Main and John Renshaw Drive, towards George Booth Drive.
An air crane has worked overtime for several hours, doing dozens of trips to suck water from a dam and drop it onto the burgeoning fire front.
Leggetts Drive is closed in both directions between Neath Street and Lake Road.
All vehicles are advised to use the M1 Motorway or the Hunter Expressway.